Qatar went into the match at Doha's Khalifa Stadium knowing that only a win would do, and the stakes were raised when Uzbekistan beat Kuwait in the day's earlier Group A match for a second successive victory.

Ahmed netted a goal in each half to leave the group poised for an exciting finale, with Uzbekistan on six points, China and Qatar on three and Kuwait yet to register -- but still in with a chance of going through.

Qatar, seeking to reach the knockout stage for only the second time, will face Middle Eastern rivals Kuwait at the same venue on Sunday.